Europa League Clash: High Stakes for Athletic Bilbao and AS Roma
The upcoming Europa League faceoff between Athletic Bilbao and AS Roma on March 13, 2025, is one of the most awaited matches in the tournament. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a coveted place in the quarter-finals. Athletic Bilbao finds themselves in a bit of a rut, coming into this game without a win in their last three encounters across all competitions. They recently ended up in a 1-1 stalemate against Mallorca in La Liga, not the ideal setup for such a crucial match.
Adding to their woes, key defenders Yeray Álvarez and Dani Vivian are unavailable. Álvarez faces suspension and Vivian is sidelined due to an injury. This leaves some gaps at the back, a possible chink in their armor that their coach, Ernesto Valverde, needs to address. But it's not all bleak for the Basque team. Athletic has shown incredible resilience at their home ground, San Mamés. They’ve remained undefeated there in their last five games and have an impeccable record in the Europa League, winning all four home matches. These facts bring a glimmer of hope for their fans.
AS Roma: Riding the Momentum
On the other hand, AS Roma comes into this match riding high on a wave of success. Claudio Ranieri's men have been in phenomenal form, securing six victories in their last six outings across various competitions. With game-changers like Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk set to return to the squad, their attacking lineup seems poised to deliver. Although they have a slight edge with a 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg—thanks to a dramatic last-minute winner—their form in away fixtures, especially in Europe, has been less than impressive. They haven’t managed to clinch a win in their last five Europa League away games, a stat they’ll be keen to turn around.
When considering the key factors, it’s a fight between Roma’s momentum and Athletic’s home advantage. While Athletic’s defensive woes could prove costly against Roma’s sharp finishers, the atmosphere at San Mamés might just be the extra player Bilbao needs. Here’s where it gets interesting for those looking to place a wager. Betting tips point towards a Roma win with a +1 handicap and the total goals likely exceeding 2.5. It seems Roma’s recent form and squad depth give them the edge here.
Expect an intense contest, where every pass, tackle, and goal could shift the balance. Roma’s resilience might just tip the scales and see them through to the quarter-finals. However, underestimating Athletic’s prowess at home could be a mistake for any team. The battle lines are drawn, and it’s all to play for once the whistle blows at San Mamés.
